There are many ways to support your mental wellbeing, right here in Waimakariri.

We’ve compiled a list of places and events across the District where you can connect with others and bring the Five Ways to Wellbeing into your daily life.

Where can I connect with nature?

While we have plenty of greenspaces and walks across Waimakariri, we recommend the following places for connecting with nature and clearing your head.

Matawai Park Wellness Trail: Our wellness trail features six wellbeing stations inside the park. Each station encourages you to try an exercise designed to help regulate the nervous system by being present in the moment. The simple activities like breathing slowly, relaxing the eyes and noticing our surroundings can all have extremely positive benefits including reducing stress, promoting relaxation and even increasing life satisfaction overall – and all in less than five minutes per exercise!

Waimakariri Power Spots: “Power Spots” are places believed to endow visitors with refreshing or healing energy. In Japan, the concept generally centers around feng shui principles and sites where the Earth’s energy is said to well up—meaning many power spots are tied to ancient shrines, creation myths and Shugendo mountain worship.

Check out our following Power Spots:

• Matawai Park
• Ashley Gorge Reserve Giant Redwood Tree
• Oaks Reserve Oxford
• Ohoka Bush Walk
• Tūhaitara Coastal Park.

Where can I take my dog?

We have five dedicated exercise areas for your dog to explore. Why not visit one of the following?

• Gladstone Dog Park (Pegasus)
• Kaiapoi Dog Park
• Milton Memorial Dog Park (Rangiora)
• Oaks Reserve Dog Park (Oxford)
• Southbrook Dog Park.

Learn more about our dog parks.

Where can I take the kids?

Take the kids to Northbrook waters in Rangiora and follow our new StoryWalk.

The StoryWalk follows the children’s story ‘Five Wee Pūteketeke’ by North Canterbury author Nicola Toki.

Pages of the book have been printed onto large signage boards and installed at different points along the 1.5km trail loop. Children can make their way around the wetlands, reading the story as they go.

What’s on at Waimakariri Libraries?

• Monday 6 October, 5.30pm at Rangiora Library
  • Speaker: Michael Hempseed
  • Topic: Understanding and Healing Trauma
  • Book now via Humanitix 
• Wednesday 8 October, 1pm at Rangiora Library
  • Paws & Reflect
  • Take a break and meet St John therapy pet Katie and her owner Andrea
• Friday 10 October, 12-2pm
  • Lunchtime Board Games at all libraries (Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Oxford)
• Friday 10 October, 5.30pm at Rangiora Library
  • Speaker: Tracey O’Callaghan
  • Topic: Five Techniques for Combating Stress
  • Book now via Humanitix

See what else is on at Waimakariri Libraries.

Katie the Hato Hone St John Therapy pet.